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Terrorist Attacks in Brussels

23.03.2016 - The terrorist outrage in Brussels is a reminder that peace talks on Syria cannot fail, UN negotiator Staffan de Mistura says.

Speaking just two days from the end of the first round of discussions in Geneva, the UN Special Envoy for Syria spoke of his "horror" at the attacks in the Belgian city that left at least 30 dead. "We need to extinguish the fire of war in Syria… We need a political transition in Syria in order to be able to make sure that we can all concentrate and the Syrians can altogether concentrate on the danger of everyone, in Europe, in the world, in Syria and elsewhere."

A statement issued by the members of the Security Council stresses the need to intensify regional and international efforts to overcome terrorism and violent extremism, while reaffirming that “terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.”

On 22 March, a statement issued by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson said “the despicable attacks today struck at the heart of Belgium and the centre of the European Union.”

“The Secretary-General hopes those responsible will be swiftly brought to justice. He is confident that Belgium's and Europe's commitment to human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence will continue to be the true and lasting response to the hatred and violence of which they became a victim today,” it added.

Also reacting to the terror attack, the President of the UN General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, said he is “horrified.”

“We have in the last week seen atrocities in Turkey, Ivory Coast and now in Belgium. It must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Mr. Lykketoft said in a statement.

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